Williams hits back at critics

Swansea's Ashley Williams believes the criticism they are receiving is fuelling their desire to beat relegation.

Last Updated: 17/04/12 11:12am

Ashley Williams: Swansea defender has been excellent this season in Premier League

Swansea defender Ashley Williams believes the criticism they are receiving is fuelling their desire to beat relegation.

The Swans currently sit 12th in the Premier League on 42 points and have impressed in their maiden campaign at this level.

Their win over Blackburn last weekend was their first after a run of four successive defeats, which had prompted the doubters to suggest their season was about to unravel.

Williams, who has built a reputation as a cultured defender this term, hit back at claims they had been found out and insists the negative comments has only increased their resolve.

Unity

"We said ourselves that the same people who praise you knock you down as soon as you lose a few games," he told the South Wales Evening Post.

"The only people we can trust really are inside the huddle.

"We had a good feeling about Saturday's game and we knew if we won that we wanted to show a sign of unity.

"There had been a few issues that maybe, subconsciously, got on top of the boys but we did a lot of talking last week and we wanted to put things right. We've still got a lot to play for."

Tactically

Brendan Rodgers has earned numerous plaudits for the free-flowing football his side play and the ease at which they have taken to life in the Premier League.

Their bold approach has taken many teams by surprise and Williams admits as more teams become accustomed to their style, things will get more difficult, but he insists they will win more games than they lose.

"We are not going to win all the games, there will be teams that are better on the day," he added.

"They might get things better than us tactically - we are not above that. If that does happen and we get found out for the day then so be it, but I'm sure we won't get found out too many weeks."